Update: Flying foxes present at Burdekin Falls Dam campsite

Update 4: 7 January 2022 | 3:00pm

The majority of the flying fox colony at Burdekin Falls Dam recreation and camping grounds has now moved on.

Sunwater is trimming trees and cleaning the area inhabited by the flying foxes. Visitors should steer clear of this area and continue to exercise caution.

If you see sick or injured wildlife, please do not attempt to handle the animal as they may cause serious injury or illness; instead, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care on 0414 717 374 or email info@nqwildlife.org.au.

Sunwater thanks for the community for its patience.

Update 3: 22 September 2021 | 11:00am

The large resident colony of flying foxes remains at the Burdekin Falls Dam recreation and camping grounds. Visitors are reminded to use caution.

Sunwater has engaged Ecosure to provide solutions to carefully manage the dispersal of the colony and will work with the Department of Environment and Science to ensure a best practice approach is taken.

While flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants, they can pose potential safety risks, e.g. the bats’ bites and scratches can potentially transfer disease.

In the interest of visitor safety, Sunwater has cordoned off amenities and areas where the colony is present. Access to the toilet block located at the camping grounds and boat ramp remain open.

Sunwater thanks for the community for its patience.

Update 2: 9 July 2021 | 4:22pm

Visitors to Burdekin Falls Dam are reminded to use caution when visiting the camping grounds due to a large colony of roosting flying foxes.

Sunwater urges people using the camping grounds to be aware of the potential safety risks posed by flying foxes, e.g. cases of bites and scratches can potentially transfer disease.

Sunwater has taken measures to cordon off the areas where flying foxes may be present and ask that, for your own safety, you do not access the area.

If you see sick or injured wildlife in the campgrounds, please do not attempt to handle the animal as they may cause serious injury or illness; instead, contact 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Sunwater is working with a local expert to assess the situation carefully and will keep the community informed of further updates.

Update 1: June 11 2021 | 3:12pm

Visitors to Burdekin Falls Dam are advised there are currently high numbers of flying foxes present at the campsite.

The flying fox colony is generating excessive noise and odour.

We urge members of the public who may use the campsite for recreation to be aware of the potential safety risks posed by flying foxes such as bites and scratches which could potentially transfer disease.

Sunwater has engaged a local expert to assess the situation and provide advice.

Flying foxes are a protected species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. and management will require careful planning and approval prior to any action.

Sunwater will keep the community informed of any updates.